Three Faculty of Arts students receive prestigious Vanier Scholarship
PhD candidates from the departments of psychology and Indigenous studies can now count themselves among Canada’s top graduate students.
They have been awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, receiving $150,000 over three years to continue their research into significant areas of community health and the humanities.
“The recognition of these three UM graduate students as prestigious Vanier Scholars is a testament to their research leadership,” says Dr. Mario Pinto, Vice-President (Research and International). “UM is proud to provide an excellent training ground with talented faculty and mentors. This award is a sound investment in the next generation of scholars and the Canadian work force of tomorrow.”
UM’s 2024 Vanier Scholars are:
Dallas Murphy, 2024 Vanier Scholar
Dallas Murphy (Department of Psychology) is investigating how to increase the effectiveness of low-intensity mental health treatment options by developing pre-treatment interventions that consider the lived experience of those at-risk.
“I’ve seen the consequences of not receiving adequate care play out in front of me much too often,” says Murphy. “In this field, it is impossible to ignore the reality that it is extremely difficult to access evidence-based treatment. Waitlists are long, therapy sessions with professionals are expensive, and often the individuals who need the help the most don’t have the time to wait nor the money to pay. This inspired me to turn my attention towards developing interventions that are accessible and cost-effective for broad communities of individuals who are suffering.”
He is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Pahan PteSanWin, 2024 Vanier Scholar
Pahan PteSanWin (Department of Indigenous Studies) is exploring appropriate reparations for Canadian colonial institutions holding Indigenous ancestral remains and cultural heritage that go beyond Repatriation.
“I’m hoping my research can help us change the structures in the Canadian context so the harm and colonial violence – and all the harms that are our people have experienced on a daily basis for generations – can finally stop,” says Pahan. “And then we can move to the other side – because when it stops, there is potential for healing and for thriving. That’s how I hope to make an impact.”
She is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Sydney Levasseur-Puhach, 2024 Vanier Scholar
Sydney Levasseur-Puhach (Department of Psychology) is collaborating with Indigenous women to uncover how programs and services can better meet their maternal mental health needs.
“I want to showcase that there are so many gifts that Indigenous women possess that should be honored within mental health systems,” says Levasseur-Puhach. “I hope to disrupt systems and create safer spaces for women and families to be able to live their lives in alignment with personal, familial, and cultural values. I believe that providing the care that Indigenous women deserve will serve as a means of supporting intergenerational family thriving.”
She is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Vanier Scholars are chosen for their academic excellence, research potential and leadership. Students are nominated by their university, evaluated by multi-disciplinary peer-review committees and selected by a board composed of world-renowned Canadian and international experts.
“UM’s Vanier scholars have been recognized for their excellence and this funding allows them to continue their journey to transform our world through their research, leadership and desire to make a difference,” says Dr. Kelley Main, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies. “Congratulations to all of them on this outstanding achievement.”
A total of 55 UM graduate students have been named Vanier Scholars over the past 16 years.